The New Warrior (Book 1)

Chapter 4 Goodnight High King

Luckily, the ride ended shortly and before I knew it, I was unpacking my things in the Pevensies' guest room. I was just beginning to hang my last shirt up in the closet, when a knock on my door rang out.

I turned quickly to see Edmund leaning against the door frame. "Settled?" He asked casually.

"Basically. Are you glad to be home?"

"Ofcourse. " He replied as he sat down on my bed beside me.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I just wish my dad was here. "

I nodded my head thoughtfully and rubbed his arm. "He will be, soon enough. Don't worry. He's fine. "

"I know. I just miss him, we all do, especially mom. I hate seeing her so sad. I mean, I know she's wearing a brave face for us and it's hard to know shes unhappy."

I reached over and hugged him tightly. We broke apart almost immediately at the sound of someone clearing their throat.

"Dinners ready." Peter smirked. "Unless you two aren't hungry."

"No!" I exclaimed, a little to urgently. "I mean.. I could eat." I shook my head slightly as I looked at my hands.

"Well come on then." He motioned towards the kitchen. We made our way down the hall and to the kitchen table swiftly.

"Here they are mom. Edmund was just helping her unpack. "

"Well thank you dear. That was very thoughtful. " Mrs Pevensie smiled as she lead us toward our chairs. "Eat up."

"I would've help you unpack." Lucy mumbled.

"I know Lu. I just.. um..."

"We wanted to talk. " Edmund jumped in.

"You two talk all the time. " She replied, cocking an eyebrow.

"Well, we wanted to talk some more. " Edmund snapped.

"Edmund." Mrs Pevensie scolded. "Watch your tone."

Peter and Susan snickered lightly across the table while Lucy still looked hurt.

"Hey Lu, why don't you show me around tomorrow? How does that sound?" Her face lit up almost instantaneously.

"There's not much to show you." Peter mumbled. I glared at him and looked to Lucy as she began speaking. "Of course! That's sound lovely!"

"Good." I smiled.

***

After diner I decided to go to bed early. I showered quickly and changed into my nightgown before checking my closet one more time. Once I was satisfied with the way it looked, I headed towards the bed and pulled the covers back. Someone knocked on my door once again and I called out, "Come in. "

"Hey." Peter smiled, peeking in the room. "Could I come in?"

"Won't your mom be upset you've come into my room with the door closed?" I joked.

He laughed softly and closed the door behind him.

"What is it?" I asked as I sat down on my bed and patted the spot next to me.

"I just wanted to make sure you were settled in. "

I studied his face for a moment. "We both know that's not why your here. Edmund told me the other day you missed me, were you looking for some one on one mags time or..?"

I lost my smile fast when I noticed he wasn't responding. "Peter?"

"Are you and Edmund courting?" He blurted out, seeming shocked at his own words.

"N-no." I stuttered. "Why?"

He let out a breath and nodded. "Just curious. You two are always together and then earlier.."

"Nothing happened earlier. He was telling me he missed your dad and I gave him a hug. That's all. " He nodded once more.

"Besides." I smiled slightly, ""What kind of reputation would I be starting for myself if I started courting a younger man?"

Peter laughed and replied, "Of course! What was I thinking? I mean, dating someone who's almost four months younger than you? It's horrid, nearly unthinkable!"

"Okay okay. That's enough. Don't tell him I said that, by the way." I whispered.

"I'll take it to the grave. " He placed a hand on his heart. "Sleep well lady magdalene."

I grinned. "Goodnight, high king." He smiled again before slipping out of the room as gracefully as he'd entered it. I flopped back on the pillows and could no longer conceal the huge smile that was now residing on my flushed face.